Hi,
I've had over 10 surgeries and the best things I found was to be well hydrated the day b4 surgery - drink as much water as you can til you go nil by mouth. It really helps you flush out the anaesthetic.

The anaesthetist will look after you during and after surgery pain relief wise. Keep telling the nurse if you are still in a lot of pain, theres always another sort of pain relief they can try. Also let them know if you feel nauseated.

Its a long road you are going down, in a way I think those of us who had to deal with this thru an accident are better off as we had no choice but to deal with it. It will make you a stronger person however!

I got home from holiday and fell off my deck unloading the car - stuck out my foot and thought I'd twisted my ankle. Well I did, along with three breaks :)